General News
19 July, 2024
Oscar performance and terrific Miller magic
By CHRIS EARL MILLER magic, a terrific second-half five-goal haul by Tom Campbell and a rare moment in Wedderburn history saw the Redbacks outplay Boort at Donaldson Park on Saturday. Louis, Oscar and Isaac Holt lined up in the same team for the...
By CHRIS EARL
MILLER magic, a terrific second-half five-goal haul by Tom Campbell and a rare moment in Wedderburn history saw the Redbacks outplay Boort at Donaldson Park on Saturday.
Louis, Oscar and Isaac Holt lined up in the same team for the first time.
Oscar at half-forward would play a starring role in a match the Redbacks had to win for a chance at action in the North Central final series.
Intensity on the ground, hinted in the rooms before players ran out when coach Tom Metherell had no time for nostalgic photographs of the Holt brothers, was on show from the first bounce.
Boort, missing key players Will Perryman and Nat McLaren, made all the running in the opening minutes.
Oscar Holt literally stepped up with an early behind and the Redbacks’ first goal a minute later.
While both sides had equal scoring shots in that opening term, the work of Benaim in defence, Junior Miller and Tommy Campbell and plenty of play created by Osar Holt set the scene for a Wedderburn victory.
Miller was electric in the second term. Buzzing around the crumbs, picking up lose balls and snapping three goals from all angles.
Boort had its share of the action - goals to Baddelly Kelly who surprisingly was not named in the club best and Keeble helped the Pies keep some touch on the scoreboard.
But again it was Oscar Holt scoring from a free kick 15 metres out seconds before the half-time siren who made sure Wedderburn had the tails up at the main break.
Boort actually lifted a bit in the third term. Tom Potter lifted from a steady first half and Keeble had support from James Wilson in the ruck.
Wilson shared honours. Jordy Hargreaves and a rotating Adam Postle made Wilson work for every knock out and at the boundary thrown-ins.
Jack Smith was among the better defenders for Boort, his work cut out as the Redbacks were able to constantly stream down the ground.
The McEwen brothers Mitchell and Jackson were key drivers of play as Wedderburn tackled hard, played smarter and found the man for better ball delivery.
Rover Noah Furlong was also bobbing up across four quarters, his energy matched by strong leading around goals by Campbell.
The difference between Saturday’s combatants was that Wedderburn was more committed and ultimately more confident.
Miller’s performance, clearly his best game of the season, was full of mercurial magic that put excitement into the game.
The Redbacks have a tough run home. Saturday’s win showed they can cause more than a bit of havoc with strong tackling and direct play. For Boort, the Pies sit two games outside the four and unlikely to figure in finals action.